On the Town

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Though the calendar has long since heralded springtime, the lingering of wintry weather has proven an ongoing aggravation for Minnesotans eager to escape the frigid cold. Those perturbed by the seasonal obstinacy should consider the relief of a seat at Bloomington Civic Theatre's production of On the Town. Following the flirtatious misadventures of three sailors on a 24-hour shore leave in an idealized version of 1940s New York City, On the Town is popularly known as a classic film starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. But while the screen adaptation does an admirable job of capturing the musical's exuberant spirit, significant changes were made to the material, most notably in the excising of much of Leonard Bernstein's buoyant arrangements. The restoration of the famed composer's vibrant score is just one reason to bask in this ambitious effort from the Bloomington Civic Theatre. Further assuring a breezy getaway is a creative team that includes choreographer Michael Matthew Ferrell and music director Anita Ruth partnering on full-scale dance sequences set to a live orchestra. Overseeing the action will be the steady hand of Wendy Lehr, an artist whose 50-plus-year career in local theater makes her an ideal director for a springtime excursion that promises enough warm-blooded romantics to melt the ice right out of our veins. (Photo courtesy of Vicki Madsen)Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.; Wed., May 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., May 25, 2 p.m. Starts: April 26. Continues through May 26, 2013